Tube Tools

From Cutters to Crimpers: Tube Tools You Need

When you're handling plumbing and piping jobs, getting things right the first time is crucial. The right tools, like a reliable pipe cutter or a specialized plastic tubing cutter, are designed to make working with PEX, PVC, and other tubing clean, fast, and dependable. From ensuring smooth cuts to creating leak-proof connections, these tools play a vital role in any plumbing project.

Different Types of Tube Tools

Tube Cutter

A good tube cutter is all about making clean, burr-free cuts on materials like PEX, PVC, and PE-RT. Unlike saws that can leave messy edges, this type of precision cutter often uses a sharp wheel that slices cleanly through the pipe, producing square cuts without bending the tubing out of shape. Their compact design makes them perfect for working in tight spaces and on smaller projects. For example, some models can efficiently handle sizes from 3/8" to 1" with a simple twist.

Scissor Shears

Think of scissor shears as a nimble plastic tubing cutter for quick, simple jobs. They’re built for effortless cuts on thin-walled and small-diameter plastic pipes such as PE, PP, PEX, and ABS. By simply squeezing the handles, you can shear right through the tubing with little effort. They are especially handy for fast-paced work where you need to cut multiple small pipes efficiently.

PEX Crimpers & The Crimp Ring Tool

A crimp ring tool, commonly known as a PEX crimper, is a must-have for securing copper or stainless steel rings around PEX tubing connections. It works by evenly compressing the ring around the fitting and pipe, which creates a watertight and long-lasting seal. These tools come in various sizes and are often sold in kits. For any professional, a quality crimp ring tool is essential for ensuring strong plumbing connections that last.

PEX/PVC Pipe Cutter

A PEX/PVC pipe cutter is an all-in-one solution for anyone working with both PEX and PVC. Whether you need a dedicated PEX tube cutter or something for PVC, this tool handles both materials with ease. Equipped with sharp blades, it delivers clean cuts without distorting the tubing’s shape, making it ideal for professionals who frequently switch between different pipe materials on the job.

PEX Ring Cutter

Mistakes can happen, and that’s where the PEX ring cutter, or crimp ring removal tool, saves the day. This specialized tool allows plumbers to cut and remove crimp rings without damaging the fitting underneath. By saving the fitting, you can reuse it instead of replacing the whole assembly—saving both time and money.

PEX Combo Crimp Tool

The PEX combo crimp tool cleverly combines multiple functions into a single device, offering both crimping and cutting capabilities. This means you don't have to carry as many tools on the job site, making it a convenient choice for plumbing professionals who value efficiency. Its dual-purpose design helps simplify the workflow and leads to faster installations.

Explore Tube Tools at Our Canadian Warehouse

Mini Tube Cutter for Precision Cutting
- The Mini Tube Cutter for Precision Cutting is designed for perfect cuts on hard plastic tubing, including LDPE, LLDPE, HDPE, and Clear PVC. Because it’s so compact, it's easy to store and carry. It delivers clean, square cuts every time without warping the material, ensuring a professional finish. It can handle tubing from 1/8" OD to 3/4" OD, making it a versatile and essential addition to any toolkit.
PEX and PVC Plastic Pipe and Tubing Cutter
- The PEX and PVC Plastic Pipe and Tubing Cutter is designed for accuracy and ease, cutting pipes up to 1 1/4" (33 mm). Its spring-loaded handles make positioning quick and easy, and it ensures smooth, square cuts on both PEX and PVC. As a reliable pex tube cutter and PVC tool in one, it offers a great solution for plumbing projects and household tasks.
Reed PEX Crimpers for 1/2", 3/4", and 1" PEX Tubing
- Reed PEX Crimpers are precision tools designed to deliver secure, reliable connections in PEX installations for potable water, radiant heating, snow melt systems, and more. Built to eliminate tool marks and distortion, they ensure clean crimping of copper rings onto PEX brass fittings, enhancing both quality and efficiency. Each crimper includes a Go/No-Go gauge for accuracy, an Allen wrench for easy adjustments, and compatibility with standard PEX pipes and rings. Available in multiple sizes (1/2", 3/4", and 1"), these crimpers provide versatility for different jobs.

FAQs

1. Can a single tube cutter work on both PEX and PVC pipes?

Yes, many modern tube cutters are versatile enough to handle both PEX and PVC pipes, often marketed as PEX/PVC cutters. These tools feature durable, sharp blades that can cut through rigid PVC as well as flexible PEX without deforming the pipe, making them ideal for professionals and DIYers who work with multiple pipe materials.

2. Do I really need PEX crimpers if I already have other plumbing tools?

Yes, a dedicated crimp ring tool is crucial for PEX systems. It is specifically designed to compress the metal rings evenly around fittings. Without it, your connections won't have the proper watertight seal, which could lead to leaks and expensive failures down the road.

3. What makes a versatile pipe cutter for PEX/PVC better than a standard one?

A dedicated PEX/PVC pipe cutter is built to handle multiple materials with the same high level of precision, from flexible PEX to more rigid PVC. This versatility means you don't have to switch tools on a job, saving you time and hassle.

4. When should I use a PEX ring cutter instead of replacing the entire fitting?

A PEX ring cutter is the right tool when a crimp ring is installed incorrectly or needs to be removed. It cleanly slices through the ring without damaging the fitting underneath, allowing you to reuse the existing fitting, which cuts costs and reduces waste.

5. How does a PEX combo crimp tool save time on the job?

Because it combines a cutter and a crimp ring tool into one device, it reduces the number of tools you need to carry. This not only lightens your toolkit but also boosts your efficiency, allowing you to move quickly from cutting pipes to securing connections without interruption.